Sarah's Resolutions

Every year I make resolutions and every year there's something that gets thrown under the rug not too long after January.  I considered not making resolutions this year and instead making goals periodically as I do throughout the year anyway but I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get a fresh start on some things.

52 Weeks of Scripture Study
I've read 1 Nephi 1 more times than I can count.  I know I need something different to keep me motivated and and, to put it frankly, to keep me from getting BORED.  I decided to study my scriptures this year in a weekly theme format.  I have written down 52 different topics that I have questions about, need a stronger testimony of, or just enjoy reading about.  I will study one of these topics each week, allowing me to dig deeper into each subject and something that will keep me from getting lost in the same stories I've been reading for years.

1000 Miles to Nowhere
I did a lot of running last year and I loved it.  I put more races under my belt last year than any other year.  But races are expensive $$$ and add up awfully quickly when you focus on longer distances like I do.  So this year (I stole this idea from my brother Jeff) I'm committing myself to running 1000 miles.  If I decide to throw a few races in there, I will only reach my goal faster.  I'll be adding a countdown to the blog so you can watch along with me as the miles diminish.  Now all I need is a new pair of shoes.

These are just a couple of the goals I'm working for this year among the other annual repeats.  I've decided to log my progress, thoughts, feelings, and happenings during my journey.  Feel free to follow along!  Here is my new running blog: 1000 Miles to Nowhere.

What goals have you made this year?

St. George Marathon

I can't believe the marathon has come and gone.  To be honest, I've been dreading it all summer.  I didn't train the way I should have and I wasn't confident in my ability to have a good race.  But we saddled up last weekend and drove down to stay with Jake and Annie for the weekend.

I got about 3 hours (a generous estimate) of sleep the night before the race.  Thank goodness it doesn't really matter how much sleep you get the night before, but rather the few days leading up to the race.

I felt really good during the race and wasn't surprised with any weird pains or cramps even at mile 20.  Once I looked at my watch at mile 22, I knew I was going to get a PR.

I waited at the finish line for a while thinking Jon and the kids would be there momentarily to claim their runner.  I ended up using a nice man's cell phone to call Jon and he had no idea I had finished.  He was moving spectator positions just as I went by!  Oh well, the guy pushing a wheelchair in front of me produced wild cheering from the crowd, which I conveniently used to propel myself to the finish.

Anyway, I'm thrilled with how I did and contrary to what I was saying before the race, I'm looking for more marathons in the near future.

We had a great time with Jake and Annie and the girls.  We left exhausted and enjoyed the rest of the weekend listening to General Conference and snuggling in sweats and blankets.

Post-race snow cones

 

The Ball Pit: The source of much fun

 

Story Time

Here we go again...

Well, it looks like I'll be subjecting myself to another painful, yet ever-so-rewarding experience this October. I found out today that my name was drawn in the St. George Marathon lottery. Remember these? They'll be carrying me through another training season and another race. I'm excited to cross the finish line.

I know there are some out there that don't understand why people run marathons and to those, all I can say is Try it or go watch one in person...then you'll know.

St. George Marathon 2007

Pre Race Prep...the stuff no one talks about

I'm running another race this weekend. My mind has been in prep mode. It occurred to me that there are many things that runners do to prepare for a race but they aren't the typical things you'd find when Googling "Pre-race preparation".

1. Pick out your outfit - There are a couple of rules to abide by while picking up your outfit. No "underarmour" tops for men (the tight ones)...especially not with basketball shorts. Women must not bare the midriff unless it has been verified by someone other than yourself that you INDEED HAVE A SIX PACK....of muscle...not fat rolls. Even then, you might be considered self-absorbed, unless you're competing in a triathlon as that event requires more technical clothing. No-show socks are a must. And the last outfitting rule which is generally accepted in the racing community is that you must not wear the race shirt for the race in which you are currently participating. This screams ROOKIE!! It is, however, OK to wear a race shirt from a prior race AS LONG AS you ran the race and didn't borrow it from someone else. It's even better if you wear a shirt from a more difficult race than the one you're currently running.
   
2. Clip your toenails - Taking preventative measures such as this may not ensure that you will not lose your toenails but it will help minimize impact of toes hitting the end of your shoes repeatedly, thereby causing the bruise and blister beneath the nail, resulting in the ever-so-lovely mutated toenail. I've lost many a toenail due to running and my only advice for those who suffer this fate is that you can somewhat conceal the fact that there is no toenails by painting the nail bed instead of leaving it blank. Think of it as a toupee of sorts.
   
3. Set your alarm - The most important reason for this is not only to make it to your race on time, but to allow ample time to get things moving. It is the runner's worst nightmare to have to stop and poop on the side of the road....or to SEE another runner pooping on the side of the road. This is why I recommend that you wake up at least 2 hours before the race, eat a very small meal (I usually choke down a banana, part of a granola bar, and a Diet Coke with Lime), walk around, jog in place, do some squats...do whatever it takes!!
4. Prime the playlist - Music is a powerful tool during a race. It has the ability to turn a painful 1o minute mile into an 8 or even a 7 (confession: I don't run 7 minute miles). It's important to pick music with the right BPM (beats per minute) so that you can match your pace to the music. In my second marathon, I didn't turn my music on until mile 22 and once I did, it was like I'd been immediately pumped full of adrenaline. It really sucked when my stupid Shuffle (the old, white, long kind) died at mile 25 and I was left to the painfully slow rhythm of my feet hitting the asphalt. That's why I recently invested in a new iPod Shuffle...it better work.
   
5. Dream about the post-lunch - One of the reasons I love running is because it allows me to eat whatever I want--and I do! A post-race feast is a great way not only restore glycogen stores, but also a great way to reward yourself for a job well done. I've been doing some thinking and my loyalty is torn between Cafe Rio and Red Robin. Who knows who will win in the end?